From Chirps to Gold: Colliding Neutron Stars as a Laboratory for Extreme Physics

Join Professor François Foucart from the University of New Hampshire for an in-depth colloquium lecture exploring the fascinating world of colliding neutron stars and their role as natural laboratories for extreme physics. Discover how these rare but energetic cosmic events generate detectable gravitational waves and produce a wide spectrum of electromagnetic signals, from gamma-ray bursts to long-lasting radio emissions. Learn about the crucial role these stellar collisions play in creating heavy elements like gold and uranium, while gaining insights into the fundamental properties of nuclear-density matter. Explore cutting-edge numerical simulations used to model these cosmic mergers and understand how scientists leverage these extreme events to investigate open questions in astronomy and nuclear astrophysics. Delve into the intersection of gravitational wave astronomy, nuclear physics, and cosmology to understand how neutron star mergers help unlock mysteries about the fundamental laws of physics and the evolution of our Universe.